Mattru Jong City
City in Southern Province, Sierra Leone
Riverfront life organizes Mattru Jong: fishermen mend nets on the Jong River, canoe trips thread mangroves, and markets sell smoked fish and cassava for visitors passing between rainforest tracks and coastal islands.
At a GlanceKey facts, why go and what's on now
Mattru Jong at a Glance#
Costs: USD 25-60 (budget to mid) - uSD 25-60 per day, prices vary with services available.
Safety: Moderate safety, limited services - relative calm now but limited emergency services; use common-sense precautions.
Best Time: November-April (dry season) - dry season makes river travel and coastal access easier.
Why Visit Mattru Jong?#
Located on the banks of the Jong River, Mattru Jong gives visitors a close-up of river lifeways, fishing canoes and bustling riverside markets. Mende music and drumming echo in town during local celebrations, and seafood-plentiful cuisine reflects the estuary’s importance to daily life. Travelers come for off-the-beaten-path culture, warm community interactions and scenic boat trips through mangroves and coastal waterways.
Things to DoTop sights, bucket list and day trips
Mattru Jong Bucket List#
Sherbro Island - Mangrove channels and sandy beaches reachable by boat from Mattru Jong.
Mattru Jong waterfront - Riverfront area where fishermen land boats and local trade takes place.
Bonthe Town colonial ruins - Nearby island town with colonial-era buildings and riverside promenades to explore.
Local fish market - Early-morning market selling freshly caught fish and offering lively local interactions.
Mangrove boardwalk - Short elevated walk through mangroves spotting birds, crabs, and tidal life.
Community craft stalls - Vendors selling woven baskets, beads, and handcrafted souvenirs from local artisans.
Bonthe Town (island) - Historic island town across the estuary with colonial buildings and laid-back streets.
Sherbro Island beaches - Remote sandy beaches and fishing villages perfect for swimming and slow exploration.
Nearby Cities #
When to GoSeasons, weather and festivals
Best Time to Visit Mattru Jong#
Mattru Jong sits in a humid tropical zone with a strong rainy season from May to October that complicates overland travel. The dry Harmattan months make moving around and river crossings far easier.
November - March
24-32°C (75-90°F)
Dusty Harmattan mornings, clearer skies, and easier road travel; daytime heat is still strong but humidity drops making movement far less miserable.
April - May
25-34°C (77-93°F)
The hottest, muggiest weeks before the rains-oppressive afternoons, few tourists, and frenetic insect activity; time outdoor excursions for early morning.
June - October
24-30°C (75-86°F)
Heavy, persistent rains turn rivers into the main highways; expect flooded tracks, spectacular greenery and limited road access yet fewer crowds.
Mattru Jong's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 34°C. Heavy rainfall (3133 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 21° - 31° | 26° | 11 mm | mostly sunny | 74% | 1.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.6h |
| February | Excellent | 22° - 33° | 30° | 23 mm | some cloud | 76% | 1.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| March | Very Good | 23° - 34° | 32° | 46 mm | some cloud | 77% | 1.7 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 23° - 34° | 32° | 104 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Good | 23° - 32° | 31° | 236 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.3h |
| June | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 27° | 429 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.4h |
| July | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 616 mm | overcast | 88% | 2.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.4h |
| August | Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 609 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.2h |
| September | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 534 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 22° - 31° | 26° | 316 mm | partly cloudy | 89% | 1.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 22° - 31° | 27° | 164 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 1.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.7h |
| December | Excellent | 22° - 31° | 26° | 45 mm | some cloud | 79% | 1.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.6h |
Getting There & AroundAirports, trains and local transport
Where to StayThe best areas to base yourself
Where to Stay in Mattru Jong#
Mattru Jong / Bonthe District - $5-20/night
Mattru Jong has very basic lodging and limited services. Budget travellers should expect simple guesthouses or sleep in regional centres with better facilities.
Bonthe / regional towns - $25-70/night
Mid-range options are scarce locally. Most visitors stay in larger regional towns with modest hotels and return to Mattru Jong for day visits.
Freetown (base) - $100+/night
No luxury accommodation in Mattru Jong. Travelers seeking higher comfort should arrange stays in Freetown before travelling inland to the district.
Eat & DrinkStreet food, restaurants, bars and nightlife
Nightlife in Mattru Jong#
Evening life is quiet with few formal nightlife options. Social activity tends to happen in local eateries and community gatherings rather than standalone bars or clubs.
ShoppingMarkets, malls and souvenirs
Shopping in Mattru Jong#
Shopping is focused on local markets and small traders offering food, household items and basic goods. There are no large shopping centres; for specialized items you’ll need to travel to larger regional towns.